Letter from T.G.B. to Donald McLean Esq. dated 18th. July (no date of year) . Auckland 18th. July, 1859 My dear McLean, The New Provinces Bill has been allowed, and special acknowledgment of the formation of Hawke's Bay has been received. Gladstone, Clifford, Fitzgerald, and others, tried vainly to prevent it. The ''Native Territorial Rights Act'' has been disallowed, and the Despatch contains the views of the Home Government at great length. The pith of it is that they think it more advisable that Government should acquire territory than that individuals should purchase property. They go on to say that they cannot surrender the control of Native Affairs, in the most terms. Whittaker and Richmond profess to be very glad of the decision. It completely stamps out all idea of direct purchase; and is even opposed to my views in reference to Crown Grants. This will prevent the issue of the Proclamation, which I spoke to you of in my last letter; as the Home Government would evidently approve of no deviation from the present system, until I can explain my meaning in reference to Crown Titles. The Secretary of State has decided against me in the matter of the paying for inspection of Native Schools, out of the £7000 which was referred to his arbitration. He has, however, done it so courteously to myself that I eat dirt with less disgust than I should otherwise do. I believe this is all the news. War has been declared, as you probably know. I have approved of sending Cooper to the Middle Island, on a tour of inspection; and if you can dispense with his services at Hawke's Bay. Believe me always, Yours sincerely (Signed) T.G.B. To:- Donald McLean.